In Swahili grammar, definite articles are typically used to specify the noun they come before. However, unlike English, Swahili does not have a specific definite article that corresponds to the English “the”. Instead, the noun classes of Swahili come into play. The prefix used for the noun often incorporates the sense of the definite article. This feature of Swahili grammar adds a depth of specificity to the language.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks with Appropriate Noun Prefixes
1. “*Kiti*” (Chair) kimevunjika.
2. “*Chuo*” (University) kikuu cha Dar es Salaam ni kikubwa sana.
3. “*Gari*” (Car) lako limeharibika.
4. “*Nyumba*” (House) yake ni nzuri sana.
5. “*Duka*” (Shop) lile linauza nguo nzuri.
6. “*Simba*” (Lion) amelala.
7. “*Ndege*” (Bird) ameimba.
8. “*Bahasha*” (Envelope) imefungwa.
9. “*Kitabu*” (Book) chake kiko mezani.
10. “*Mti*” (Tree) umeanguka.
11. “*Mwalimu*” (Teacher) anafundisha.
12. “*Mtu*” (Person) amesimama pale.
13. “*Mama*” (Mother) amepika chakula.
14. “*Kalamu*” (Pen) imekufa wino.
15. “*Kiti*” (Seat) cha gari lako kimepasuka.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with Appropriate Nouns
1. “*Nafasi*” (Space) imejaa kwenye gari.
2. “*Binti*” (Daughter) ni maridadi sana.
3. “*Mgeni*” (Guest) amekuja.
4. “*Kata*” (Place) yetu ina watu wengi.
5. “*Mkeka*” (Mat) umechakaa.
6. “*Jiji*” (City) la Dar es Salaam ni kubwa sana.
7. “*Paka*” (Cat) amenyakuliwa na mbwa.
8. “*Mpaka*” (Border) umefungwa.
9. “*Mavazi*” (Clothes) yako ni mazuri.
10. “*Soksi*” (Sock) imepotea.
11. “*Fimbo*” (Stick) imevunjika.
12. “*Kibo*” (Key) kimepotea.
13. “*Mto*” (River) unapitisha maji mengi.
14. “*Mzee*” (Old person) ana hadithi nyingi.
15. “*Jua*” (Sun) limetua.
